BATANG KALI: Some 4,000 eligible candidates will have their public service vehicle vocational licence fees borne by the government, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said of that number, 3,500 slots are for those seeking to get public service vehicle (PSV) ehailing or taxi licences, with the remaining 500 are for PSV bus licences.

Loke said this initiative under the MyPSV programme is to provide better job opportunities to those from lower-income groups and to support and improve the public transport sector in the country.

“RM2 mil was allocated for the MyPSV programme in Budget 2023. The fee for each candidate taking the ehailing or taxi PSV licence is RM190 while those taking the vocational bus licence have to pay RM2,590, comprising their theory and practical exams.

“Successful applicants for the MyPSV programme need not pay anything as the fees will be borne by the government,” he said in his speech at the launch of the national MyPSV programme here on Monday (July 3).

Loke said he hoped applicants who obtained their PSV bus licences would take up positions offered by Prasarana.

“There are various public transport lines in the Klang Valley, all of which need buses to complete the last-mile connectivity. Prasarana has also decided to increase allowances for bus drivers to attract more candidates,” he added.

At a press conference later, Loke said interested applicants can make their applications through the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) portal.

“The application results will be known in about two weeks,” he added.

Among the eligibility criteria to apply under the MyPSV programme are that applicants have to be Malaysian citizens and above 21 years of age.

They will also have to pass a medical examination, and not be on any blacklist by the courts, JPJ or Royal Malaysia Police.

Those applying for the ehailing or taxi PSV licence must have a D-Class competent driving licence (CDL) while applicants for the bus PSV licence must have a D-Class or E-Class CDL.